Visited the new Arizona Buc-ee’s. Here’s what I learned.
Does Buc-ee’s live up to the hype? Share your first impressions about the food, products, and bathrooms, plus what you liked and what you wish they had done differently.
Buc-ee’s is gaining attention online after photos reveal what appears to be highly competitive employee pay levels.
The posters show hourly wages starting at $20 for cashiers, warehouse workers, maintenance employees and grocery store workers, according to an online photo shared by Fox News. Food service managers can earn between $150,000 and $200,000 per year, and general managers can earn between $200,000 and $275,000.
Buc-ee’s outlines its employees’ earning potential through a graph it calls “Career Paths to Opportunity” on its website. The listed salary includes:
- Associate: $20-$25 per hour
- Team Leader: $23-$28 per hour
- Manager: $33 per hour
- assistant. General Manager: $125,000+
- General Manager: $200,000 to $275,000+
The pay structure has drawn criticism from some social media users who question whether a college degree is required to become Buc-ee’s general manager.
USA TODAY reached out to Buc-ee’s for clarification on the qualifications required for this role. However, job postings for Assistant General Manager (salary $125,000 or more) state that applicants must have a college degree, 1-2 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
Retail or management experience is also preferred, but not required.
Assistant general managers typically work a minimum of 48 hours a week, primarily early mornings and afternoons, including most weekends and holidays, according to the list.
What is Buc-ee?
The Buc-ee’s chain was founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin in Clute, Texas, next to Lake Jackson (south of Houston). The company then established its first travel center in 2003 in Luling, south of Austin.
This travel center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is best known for its cult favorite and cuddly mascot who often shows off its clean, award-winning restrooms.
It is also important to note the size of the travel center. Previously, this location in Sevierville, Tennessee held the title of largest at 74,707 square feet, which is approximately 23% larger than a football field. It takes 350 employees to operate the store.
Buc-ee’s will open a new Luling store in 2024 with more than 75,000 square feet of retail space, making it the world’s largest convenience center, according to the company’s website. By comparison, the average Walmart Supercenter is 179,000 square feet.
Buc-ee’s location
Buc-ee’s has 54 stores across the United States, 36 of which are in Texas. Click here for a complete list of locations.
USA Today contributed to this article.
Contact Natassia Paloma at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
